Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Schuylkill County Obituaries 09/29/16

Irene J. Griffiths, wife, mother, grandmother, 80 years of age of Crest Ave Tamaqua, Pennsylvania passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at St. Luke's Miners Memorial in Coaldale.

Survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Dale Griffiths; daughter, Kelly A. (Griffiths) Cerimele who resides with her parents; son, Scott M. Griffiths and his wife Marie of Coaldale; grandchildren, Dustin, Sasha, Sindle, and Dominic; great grandchildren, Cameron, Shilah, and Jameson. Many nieces, and nephews also survive Irene.

A graduate of the former St. Mary's Catholic High School of Coaldale, Irene earned her R.N. from St. Joseph's School of Nursing. Irene worked for the former Coaldale State Hospital for many years, and was a visiting nurse in Tamaqua. Irene, retired from Aetna as a nursing claims consultant.

Irene, and Dale enjoyed owning and riding horses prior to starting their family. A devoted parent, Irene was an avid reader who enjoyed doing cryptograms, and puzzle's. An occasional visit to the casino was never turned down.

Born Friday, February 14, 1936 in Coaldale the daughter of the late Bartholomew, and Mary H.(Brentari) Derzak.

Rose M.Popalis, of Shenandoah Heights, passed away Sunday, September 25, with her children at her side.

Born in Shenandoah, February 17, 1925 she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Angelina (Mirocke) Bell.

Rose was the wife of Andrew T. Popalis with whom she celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary September 7, 2016.

Rose loved her home where she Andrew lived for 69 years.

Lovingly known as Granny, Aunt Rose or, of course, Mom, even to many who weren’t her children, she was love beyond measure. The door to her home and especially the door to her heart were always open.

She was a giving, loving and unselfish mother not only to her own children, but she and Andrew also changed the lives of over 40 foster children, adopting five.

The kitchen table was the center of many delicious meals, and also the hub where Rose would tell her many stories of her childhood and life experiences. Making you laugh was one of her specialties.

She would light up a room with her beauty and sparkling brown eyes, but it was really her humor and quick wit, compassion, unselfishness, understanding and her love of life and unshakable faith that then and now brings comfort to the hearts of those who knew her.

A member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, she was a graduate of West Mahanoy Township High School. She was employed by Acme Markets, Philadelphia, and the Acme, A&P, Genetti and Capitol food markets in Shenandoah. She also worked seasonally for the Bon-Ton in the Schuylkill Mall.

The leader of the Rosie Belles during the Shenandoah Centennial Celebration of 1966, she was also a member of the auxiliary of the former Locust Mountain Hospital.